Chicago, April 22, 2022 —As part of the City of Chicago’s ORD21, the largest redevelopment initiative in O’Hare International Airport history, Metropolitan Fire Protection, Inc. (MFP) is playing a key role in one specific improvement project included in the $8.5 billion effort: upgrading the airport’s extensive pedestrian tunnel system.

Built in 1977, the seven underground tunnels connect the airport’s three main terminals and serves as the primary arteries for passengers and the public either walking into the airport from parking facilities and the O’Hare Hilton or taking the CTA Blue Line.

For the last three years, MFP has been working with F.H. Paschen, Inc., the general contractor on the project, to retrofit the tunnels with a cutting-edge new commercial sprinkler and fire suppression system—all while the airport remains open. According to Brian Ferguson, MFP’s executive vice president, the company’s team of designers, engineers, and fitters coordinates closely with Paschen to carry out “a carefully choreographed plan” for the installation so passengers and construction can coexist.

“Completing a job of this scale while also accommodating the safety, accessibility, and mobility of the public can be extremely challenging,” said Ferguson. “Sections of tunnel are closed on a rotating basis, so we do whatever it takes to adhere to the schedule. Over the course of the project, we expect to install several miles of piping and nearly 500 commercial sprinkler heads. That makes us proud—even if no one will ever see our handiwork behind the beautiful new interiors that transform the tunnels into a more welcoming experience.”

All seven modernized pedestrian tunnels are expected to be completed and open to the public in 2022.

Chicago, February 22, 2022 —As Elk Grove Village continues its growth as one of the highest concentrations of data centers in the Midwest, Metropolitan Fire Protection (MFP) is lending its expertise to help create safe, high-tech facilities for the new businesses moving in. Most recently, the company has been contracted to install state-of-the-art sprinkler and fire suppression systems for data centers in the Elk Grove Technology Park.

For these providers of mission-critical development, facilities management, and construction services to enterprise and hyperscale cloud computing customers, MFP installs sophisticated pre-action sprinkler systems that protect the data centers’ IT servers, telecommunications systems, and switch racks as well as special hazard systems specifically suited to the unique infrastructure requirements of each Technology Park facility.

“As businesses continue to demand more and more sophisticated technology, the need for state-of-the-art facilities to house all that computing power is growing as well. MFP is keeping up with the demand, demonstrating our ability to tackle the complex challenges of keeping their buildings, equipment, and people protected,” said Sean Harrison MFP’s Project Manager. “We’re constantly expanding our range of expertise and experience to accommodate the rapidly changing fire protection demands of the digital world.”

Chicago, July 20, 2022 —Beginning in 2016, Metropolitan Fire Protection (MFP) was part of what is widely considered the largest historical redevelopment project in the United States—the reinvention of Chicago’s iconic Old Main Post Office. Working with the general contractor, BEAR Construction Co, on the project, MFP served as the design-build contractor for demolition, planning, and installation of an updated and fully compliant fire protection system at the site.

Completed in 2019, the massive redevelopment effort transformed the 2.8 million-square-foot building from an historic but unused Windy City landmark into a sought-after business address for a variety of global brands and emerging enterprises. To prepare spaces in the building for leasing, a dedicated 12-member team of MFP project engineers and sprinkler fitters led by George Shaw, the company’s current director of operations, installed new fire safety systems throughout the full interior shell of the structure as well as in finished common areas and shared public spaces, including a 10,000-square-foot conference center, fitness complex, food hall, and multi-acre rooftop park.

 “The Old Main Post Office presented unique challenges above and beyond its sheer size,” said Shaw. “In addition to designing, fabricating, and installing all the components of the new fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, we installed seven deluge systems to protect the giant fans handling exhaust from the train tracks that run below the building to Union Station. Whatever it takes, we figure out a way to make it work. And we are very proud to have contributed to such a high-profile project in Chicago.”

Chicago, April 12, 2022 —Metropolitan Fire Protection, Inc. (MFP) has been awarded a five-year extension on its contract to inspect, test, and maintain the fire sprinkler systems at 12 Pace bus terminals in the Chicago metro area. The facilities, located throughout the six northeastern Illinois counties served by the public transportation and paratransit provider, range from Pace’s 30,000 square-foot paratransit facility in McHenry to its 176,000 square-foot South Division garage in Markham.

“Working with us over the past five years has allowed Pace bus management to experience firsthand the safety dividends of a well-maintained fire sprinkler system,” said Robyn Wehrle, MFP inspection and testing coordination manager. “Our certified Local 281 Sprinkler Fitters provide the specific expertise needed to follow proper protocols for buildings housing gasoline-powered vehicles and keep both the people and the buses protected.”

At the 12 Pace garages, MFP conducts all quarterly, semi-annual, annual sprinkler system inspections, including five-year obstruction investigations, monthly fire pump churn, and annual fire pump testing governed by state, municipal, and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines. The scope of work includes testing wet, dry, and deluge systems, as well as any hydrants located on the Pace premises. In addition, MFP’s union sprinkler fitters are on hand to ensure all equipment is up to code and rapidly make repairs to the sprinkler systems.

Chicago, April 15, 2022 —Completed in 1935 during the Great Depression, the U.S. Post Office & Courthouse in Binghamton, NY, once symbolized the government’s efforts to project a strong federal presence in American cities despite the era’s economic challenges. Designed by local architects Conrad and Cummings, the building featured Neoclassical and Art Deco details befitting its authority and dignity—from a two-story oak-paneled courtroom to a magnificent marbled lobby with eight murals commissioned by the Treasury Department Section of Fine Arts.

Now the building—a registered national landmark maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and still in use—has been upgraded to 21^st century safety standards. For the project, Chicago-based Metropolitan Fire Protection, Inc. (MFP) was contracted to design and fabricate a state-of-the-art sprinkler and fire suppression system, remove outdated sprinklers, and install the new components—all while respecting the architectural integrity of the historic four-story building.

MFP designed a detailed schematic for the installation and then fabricated the system components in its Chicago facility before shipping them to New York. Then an experienced team of MFP technicians remained on site in Binghamton for the six-month installation. Work on the project was completed in early 2022.

“Though all postal operations were relocated to another Binghamton facility in 1967 and parts of the interior were remodeled for office use by other federal agencies,” said Brian Ferguson, MFP’s executive vice president, “principal public areas with historic significance had been left untouched since it was built. Our challenge in the project is one we’ve faced numerous times before: bringing an existing structure up to and beyond current standards while protecting original fixtures and finishes, maintaining legacy design aesthetics, and being sensitive to the safety and workflow of current tenants.”